Nonso Smart Okafor urges Governor Obiano to set up a waste recycling plant in Anambra State
With the estimated daily generation of 950, 000 tons of waste in Anambra State, and with our position as the second state with highest population density in Nigeria, Anambra State must find a more strategic and proactive approach to be adopted in tackling the surging waste generated from different households, institutions and business premises on daily basis.
Unfortunately, our idea of waste management in the state, is open dumping, burning and landfill, which is a threat to our environment and climate. Whether degradable or biodegradable, our waste should be a wealth to our state.
On Wednesday, 18th March, 2020, during the plenary session of Anambra State House of Assembly, I sponsored a motion calling on the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, to set up a waste recycling plant in Anambra State in line with international best practices.
Presenting the motion, I pressed on the need for our state to leverage on the critical mass of solid waste being generated in the state especially in Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi, by building a plant that will recycle solid waste and bring out raw materials.
The current practice of lumping all waste both bio-degradable and others will not ensure a clean Anambra which the current government is working towards, the current waste management method of the state is not climate-friendly.
While degradable wastes can be used as organic fertilizers in agriculture, the non-degradable waste which mostly are nylon bags, pieces of metal scraps, used tyres, rubbers, papers, bottles, plastics, glasses, toxic chemicals, when recycled will bring raw materials that will be used for production.
The building of this recycling plant will create employment opportunities directly and indirectly through the value chain, will help lower greenhouse gas emissions which cause serious climatic changes, lower production costs and boost the economy of the state.
The government should also encourage the private sector to invest in waste management, whether in waste collection or recycling.
Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor,
Member Representing,
Nnewi North Constituency,
Anambra State House of Assembly.
